894A.01/3–2349: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Consul at Taipei (Edgar)
51. For Merchant. Urtel 640 Mar 23. Dept appreciates well reasoned presentation contained reftel.
NSC decision (37/510) quoted Deptel 37 Mar 9 to Taipei requires approach Governor Formosa when situation develops to point where we know governing groups US will have deal with on Formosa as set forth paras 1 and 2 NSC 37/2 Feb 3 (Deptel 30 Mar 2 to Taipei). Delay making such approach involves risk further deterioration situation and possible inclusion Formosa in deal with Commies on mainland. There is presently no thought US Govt would act unilaterally separate Formosa from mainland by milit means and in event likelihood failure prevent Commie domination Formosa by pol and econ means only recourse would be action through UN. Request for such action should come from Chinese governing authorities Formosa or possibly from Formosan independence groups or from both. Initiation such action in UN could most appropriately be taken by Philippines. Weakness Formosan independence groups fully recognized, but participation such groups would be sine qua non in arrangements resulting from UN action. And their support of UN action would be desirable even though appeals to UN came from Chinese.
As you aware we have made known confidentially to Philippine authorities our general interest in Formosa without, however, any indication action we might be prepared to take. Dept has also put out feelers to British Emb Washington with request for indication Brit thinking on subject. You will be informed of results this approach.
ECA program only means aid autonomous Formosa at present although possibility further assistance might be furnished under Pres Four Point Program and through milit aid modest proportions under over-all fon milit assistance program now being drawn up which expected [Page 306] include general funds not committed specific countries. However, as you indicate, despite our aid developments may make impossible continuing autonomous status island in face expected Commie attempts take over such valuable area. In that event only recourse would be action through UN prior development situation where Commies could successfully seize island either by internal stratagem or by external attack. Possibility former would, of course, be ever present threat and thus make difficult UN action in time save situation.
In light foregoing Dept tends agree ur view action in UN may eventually be desirable and time may come, perhaps sooner rather than later, when it would be in order suggest to Governor Formosa appeal for UN action.
In view foregoing has Gen Chen Cheng’s recent visit Nanking and increased powers Formosa recently granted him caused any change ur previous view (urtels 846 Mar 11 from Shanghai and 570 Mar 14 from Nanking) time not yet ripe approach Governor Formosa along lines NSC 37/2 Feb 3?